Comparison Between LIC and Recurring Deposit

LIC and RD are two different investments plans designed to cater to different needs. Though both are investment plans, LIC caters more to insurance while RD is purely a savings scheme.

Definitions

LIC stands for LIC Insurance Corporation. An LIC policy is a life insurance policy that you can take against risks. For people who are the head of the household or need to ensure that there is a financial provision for their loved ones after their death, an LIC Policy is a good option.

RD is a Recurring Deposit which can be opened with any bank provided you hold a savings or current account with the bank. This is purely a savings scheme where you can earn interest. It does not provide any other benefits.

Life Insurance Corporation Policy

Life Insurance is a contract that you draw out with a company to pay premiums towards a policy. The premiums are determined based on the policy you choose, the tenure and your age. This policy is beneficial at the time of maturity as you will receive a lump sum of money at maturity value. The policy will also pay out in the event of the insured’s death or on any of the events that you are insured against. The main payout dates are:

Upon unfortunate death of the insured

When the policy matures

Any specified dates mentioned in the policy

LIC policies are not suitable to everyone. It is a good policy in case you have dependents. As a breadwinner, you would worry about your family members, spouse and loved ones if anything were to happen to you. If you have a life insurance policy, your nominee will receive either a lump sum or a monthly income to help them cope financially. In the event the policy matures before death, then it turns into an investment that you benefit from after saving for so many years. Some important points to remember about LIC policies are listed below.

LIC policies are suitable for people who have dependants.

Anyone who is of legal age can avail of a policy.

Taking out an LIC Policy is a long-term commitment.

Cancellation of policies will result in penalties and might be a loss.

With Life Insurance plans, policyholders can opt to save money in systematic plans to meet the costs of important life events such as having children, their marriage and education, and so on.

Policies can be taken for your spouse and children as well.

LIC policies should be treated as insurance rather than savings.

Policies under the “with profit” scheme can be extremely profitable if the market performs well. The premiums payable are usually higher, but these participating policies can share in the profits of the fund, if any.

An LIC Policy can be offered as collateral to avail of a loan.

Premiums paid towards LIC are eligible for tax deductions.

Recurring Deposit

An RD is a savings scheme offered by banks to help individuals save regularly and systematically build up a fund. The amount saved earns interest, but the interest is not eligible for tax deductions.

Recurring deposits can be started with as little as Rs. 10. This depends on the limits set by the bank.

The minimum period for an RD is usually 6 months.

The maximum period offered by banks is 10 years.

The interest rates offered on these deposits vary between banks. You should check the bank’s interest chart before opting for a tenure. Banks usually offer higher interest rates on certain tenures such as 500 days. So going for the longest tenure doesn’t necessarily fetch you a higher rate of interest. Although, with a long tenure you will earn more interest overall.

Withdrawals are usually not allowed.

You can close the deposit prematurely.

Banks run different RD schemes with flexible investment options to cater to different needs of the people.

TDS will be applicable on the interest earned on an RD. If you’re interest is lower than Rs. 10,000 in a year, then TDS is not applicable.

The interest earned is taxable income and should be declared in the income tax declaration.

Points

LIC

RD

Scheme

Insurance

Investment

Purpose

Risk Protection

Savings

Risk

Safe

Safe

Target audience

Caters to those who have dependents

Caters to everyone

Tenure

Flexible

10 years

Premature closure

Premature closure allowed with penalties.

Premature closure allowed

Loan

Loan facility available

Loan facility available

Tax deductions

Eligible for tax deductions

Tax deducted at source if collective interest earned is more than Rs. 10,000. Interest earned must be declared.

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